Flights to Gião, Santa Maria da Feira from NT$2,284

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Gião. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, official ID, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some great options. If you plan to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive at your destination looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Gião in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be inspected by airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.